The Co-op has unveiled new plans for its store in West St Helen Street in Abingdon and they've received a warm welcome from critics.

OUT goes the contentious contemporary design that caused one of the biggest controversies in Abingdon for years.

IN comes a traditional design the Co-op believes will be more in keeping with the old street scene.

The revised plans show a slightly bigger store on the ground floor but a smaller number of apartments on the upper floors, down from 14 to nine.

The plans have to be approved by the Vale of White Horse District Council's development control committee.

The modern development described by critics as "Disneyland" was app- roved two years ago by the council but caused uproar. A public meeting rejected the plans.

The Co-op refused to back down but when the old Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-op became part of a much bigger Mid Counties Society the new management had second thoughts.

Co-op spokesman Adrian Barradell said: "The new planning application was developed following consultation with the local community. It followed a review of our property projects and costs at the time of the society merger with the former West Midlands Co-operative in September last year.

"After working closely with a number of parties, we believe the revised scheme does all it can to meet everyone's needs. At this stage I cannot say how much the revised scheme will cost or when work will start because that will depend on when the application is discussed by the Vale council."

The old store was demolished early last year but building work was halted. The standstill prompted Abingdon town councillor Peter Fulk to call on the Co-op for a meeting to review the position.

Mr Fulk said: "I welcome the Co-op's decision to think again. We have been vindicated. The Co-op's review shows that popular opinion can influence decisions."

Town councillor Sandy Lovatt said: "Not only are these plans much better and more in keeping with the old street scene but there will be fewer flats and less pressure on street parking."

Michael Harrison, an outspoken critic at the public meeting, welcomed the Co-op's change of heart. He said: "There was so much concern over the first scheme. Had it been built it would have been a disaster for one of Abingdon's oldest streets."

Mike How, who lives in Lombard Street close to the Co-op site, gathered more than 300 signatures on a petition calling on the Co-op to abandon its original plans. He said: "The Co-op has taken care to listen to the community. It is an organisation that is based on the people and they have heard what the people have had to say."